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Kanazawa Marathon Receives International Certification

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/ishikawa/news/20141201-OYTNT50262.html

translated by Brett Larner

Scheduled for Nov. 15, the 2015 Kanazawa Marathon's 42.195 km course has been certified by both the IAAF and AIMS, making it the only current IAAF-certified marathon course in the Hokuriku region.  The Kanazawa Marathon starts on Hirosaka Street in central Kanazawa, heading to a finish at Seibu Ryokuchi Park Field.  Runners pass by Kanazawa Castle park and the Kenrokuen gardens, getting a chance to enjoy the historic scenery and downtown skyline along the old highway west of Kanazawa Station.

IAAF-certified races within Japan are divided into mass-participation urban races like the Tokyo Marathon and Osaka Marathon, and top-level elite races like the Fukuoka International Marathon and Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon.  The 17th course in Japan to receive certification, the Kanazawa Marathon is expected to join the ranks of the urban races.

A spokesperson for the Kanazawa Marathon organizing committee commented, "IAAF certification increases our status and helps us spread our name.  We anticipate seeing increased numbers of participants from overseas as well."  The 2015 Kanazawa Marathon is expected to have a field of 12,000, with entries opening in March next year.

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